The Secret to Saving a Sexless Marriage (According to Science)

In this episode, Dr. Morgentaler and Dr. Brandon talk about how comparing your sex life to "normal" can be misleading, and why prioritizing genuine, mindful affection often matters more than frequency in creating a fulfilling and connected relationship. 00:00 Normal Couples Sex Stats — "Normal" varies, but frequency has dropped over time and comparison often creates unnecessary pressure. 02:47 Libido Metrics Ejaculations — Tracking ejaculation frequency can be a more honest, objective way to assess libido than relying on perception alone. 07:58 Affection Matters Low Frequency — Even with less sex, couples who show more affection report higher relationship and sexual satisfaction. 11:14 Affection Without Sex — Emotional and physical closeness outside of sex can meet core needs and keep the connection strong. 15:42 Mindful Touch Breaks Stalemates — Intentional, present affection can soften tension and help couples reconnect during conflict. 18:57 Argue as a Team — Healthy conflict means staying on the same side, communicating needs clearly, and protecting the relationship while resolving issues. Resources: Cheon, J. E., & Kim, Y. H. (2026). Compensatory Effects of Affectionate Communication in Marriages with Infrequent Sexual Activity. Archives of Sexual Behavior. With Dr. Abraham Morgentaler and Dr. Marianne Brandon Listen to the podcast on all of your favorite platforms: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ec/podcast/the-sex-doctors/id1761813985?l=en-GB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0apSFzquJXKoOGnmI6ndgT?si=e5a1e482c7ca46c7 Find us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesexdoctors?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesexdoctors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesexdoctorspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesexdoctor LinkedIn (Dr. Abraham): https://www.linkedin.com/in/abraham-morgentaler-md-81628b6 LinkedIn (Dr. Marianne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513 X (Dr. Abraham): https://x.com/DrMorgentaler X (Dr. Marianne): https://x.com/drbrandon #sexualhealth #relationshipsatisfaction #libidoandaffection